Jets Announce Four $10,000 Grants to New Jersey Communities in Support of Youth Recreational Programs
Berkeley Heights, NJ –The New York Jets Foundation presented a check for $10,000 to Mayor David Cohen of Berkeley Heights today which will be used to fund the creation of a water park element within the Union County/Berkeley Heights Township Park currently under construction.
In addition to the $10,000 contribution to Berkeley Heights, the Jets have also committed $10,000 contributions to East Orange, Jersey City and Wood-Ridge. All four cities were finalists in the site selection process for the Jets new headquarters and practice facility. The team chose Florham Park as their new home on March 31, 2006 and will move there in the spring of 2008.
"On behalf of the New York Jets, we are delighted to present these grants today," said Matt Higgins, New York Jets Senior Vice President for Public Affairs. "Now that New Jersey will be home to the Jets practice facility, we intend to remain active and engaged citizens by promoting and encouraging youth recreation, fitness and nutrition across the state. We are thrilled that these grants will be used to benefit thousands of young men and women in New Jersey."
"I also want to thank each of these four towns for their enthusiasm, hard work and passion to make us their neighbors. We look forward to continuing to work with you in the years to come," continued Higgins.
"On behalf of all the residents of Berkeley Heights, I want to thank the Jets for the generous donation they are making to the Township. It will be used in our new 17 acre park at Stanford Drive to create a children's water spray area and will be a permanent reminder of the great relationship that has developed between Berkeley Heights and the Jets," said Berkeley Heights Mayor David Cohen. "We look forward to an ongoing relationship with the organization in the years to come."
The Jets have also partnered with the New Jersey Sports and Exposition Authority (NJSEA) to dedicate an annual fund to improve recreational fields in Florham Park. In addition, the Jets will continue to support numerous civic charities as well as established Jets initiatives to fight hunger and improve education and fitness for children throughout the tri-state area. The Jets also support local football teams with coaching and kids clinics, local Coach of the Week Awards and free community access to training camp during the summer months.
Berkeley Heights
The New York Jets donation to the township of Berkeley Heights will be used for a water park element within the Union County/Berkeley Heights Township Park being constructed on the former Stanford Drive property. Children and families will enjoy a spray park within a larger park setting.
Jersey City
The New York Jets donation to the town of Jersey City will be used for three youth programs – Team Walker which serves youth in the African American Community of Jersey City, JC Jets, the city's football program with more than 250 kids, and JC Liberty, the city's competitive cheerleading team.
East Orange
The New York Jets donation to the town of East Orange will be used to refurbish football equipment and uniforms for their local football teams.
Wood-Ridge
The New York Jets donation to the town of Wood-Ridge will be used in part for the Wood-Ridge/ Moonachie Junior Football Program and in part for the general recreational funds for the township of Wood-Ridge.
